We at Hodinkee are big fans of the high-quality, affordable watches coming from LÜM-TEC, and we certainly aren’t this brand’s only fans.

Since the company's founding in 2008, LÜM-TEC has been led by those that understand and appreciate value. Much of the brand’s success has been due to engaging with watch fans for new design ideas. LÜM-TEC is also known for its Maximum Darkness Visibility (MDV) technology, which is an eight layer application of luminous material that enhances the ability to read the time in the dark.

LÜM-TEC has an extensive array of limited edition watch designs and we believe that one of their best lines is the M Tungsten series. These 44mm watches feature polished tungsten cases, which is a solid and tough material resistant to the majority of scratches. Polished tungsten also has a bit of a smoky finish that looks great.

We have recently been trying out LÜM-TEC's M8 that was introduced in 2009 ($850 with carbon fiber dial limited to 100 pieces) and M23 that was introduced this year ($995 with blue sunray dial limited to 150 pieces). Both the The M8 and M23 watches feature a date window between the 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock positions, while they include a tungsten bracelet, we chose to wear them on a leather strap (honey brown for the M8 and black with orange stitching for the M23), also included is a black rubber strap to fit the 24mm lugs. The series features double side anti-reflective coated sapphire crystals. The M8 has an SII automatic movement from Japan while the M23 has an ETA 2824-2 automatic movement from Switzerland

Beyond the different dials, lume color, and movements, the M8 caseback has a sapphire crystal for easy viewing of the movement while the M23 has a solid caseback. In addition, the M23 has a polished case between the lugs while the M8 is unpolished between the lugs.

If you are looking for a rugged, nice-looking automatic watch for under a grand, you should definitely check out LÜM-TEC's M Tungsten series.

Advertisement

Friday March 3, 2012

HODINKEE is one of the most widely read wristwatch publications in the world. Launched in 2008 by then 25-year-old Benjamin Clymer, the site quickly gained notoriety for earnest looks at some of the industry’s most interesting, and occasionally forgotten timepieces.